Hannibal Mejbri backs himself to ‘take’ United chance when it arrives

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Manchester United wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri believes he will “show” what he “can do” in the Reds first team when given a chance.

Despite being a permanent member of first team training since Ralf Rangnick took over the reins, Hannibal is yet to make a first team appearance for the Red Devils this season.

The Tunisian would have likely been given a start in the Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys, back in December, when the German handed out European debuts to some of the club’s youngsters.

But the 19-year-old was instead representing his country in the Arab Cup.

Although the midfielder has been on the bench in two of the last six Premier League games, he’s played 90 minutes in all four of the Under-23s side’s last four games and captained the Under-19s in the penalty shootout defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Youth League, to get valuable game time.

But despite not playing for the first team, Hannibal believes he is still gaining vital experience that he will lean on when his chance to impress comes.

“All the experience to gain, I’ll take it, whether it be in training, on the bench or, even if I’ve not had the chance play yet, he told TN Sport while on international duty.

“But maybe in the future… As soon as I get the chance, I’ll take the experience I have and I’ll show what I can do.”

After seeing fellow academy star Anthony Elanga grasp his opportunity when it was handed to him, Hannibal will believe he can follow in the Swede’s footsteps.

And with United potentially slipping out of the race to claim the all important fourth Champions League spot, Rangnick may decide to use some of the remaining Premier League games as an opportunity to give the likes of Hannibal the chance to stake their first team claim.

The German is also going to have to be ruthless and start prioritising the likes of Hannibal over the senior players whose contracts at the club are ticking down.

With Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani all likely to leave as free agents at the end of June, there places in the matchday squad should be given to the club’s youngsters.

Hannibal Mejbri is ready and poised to grasp his chance and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that breakthrough moment materialise across the final nine Premier League games of the season.